Mikel O.D.

Preview to MPAD# 9

2005-09-06T20:56:00.000-04:00

Here what's coming up on this week's Most People Are DJ's #9 - "I Don't Owe You Anything"

Bands:
The Matadors
Levinhurst
Comics:
Interview with Matt Sheppard of Dead Eyes Open
Mashup:
DJBC
Podcast Shoutouts:
Raw Roots Radio
Detroit Podcasters Group
So check it out at Most People Are DJ's on Friday, Sept. 9.

MPAD#8 -- This Night Has Opened My Eyes

2005-08-29T22:41:00.000-04:00

(This is the fabulous pic. Paul took of Erica Durance)

Most People Are DJ's #8 could be my best podcast yet!

It's the Poptopia/Most People Are DJs crossover episode as Paul French and I spar back and forth over who our favorite superhero is, what we thought of the Toronto Comic Convention, what we think of Marilyn Manson and more!

songs by The Mobius Band, The Positive Touch Experience

Media Clip by Marilyn Manson

And a really funny mashup (you'll have to listen to find out what it is)

So check it out on Friday, September 2nd.

MPAD # 7 I Started Something I Couldn't Finish

2005-08-24T19:48:00.000-04:00

So, here's what on this weeks episode of Most People Are DJ's:
Go to Most People Are DJs on Friday morning for the download!
Bands:
Riddle of Steel
Say Hi To Your Mom
Moves:
Zatoichi
End of the Century
TV:
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Comedian:
Dane Cook
Podcast Nods:
Comic Geek Speak
Evil Genius Chronicles

Preview to this Weeks Most People Are DJs

2005-08-14T20:15:00.000-04:00

Since my podcast is taking over the majority of my free time I'm going to use this blog as an extension of it. Here are some of the topics I'm planning for this weeks show:
Music: The Orange Peels
Ten In the Swear Jar
Reviews: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Once Upon A Time In Mexico
Sorytelling
a mashup from Mashuptown Radio
and more!

There's been a bit of disturbing news on the podcasting front that the RIAA may start cracking down on podcasts that play unliscensed music. While, like most podcasters, I get permission for most of what I play, I think we should be able to play whatever we want because the quality is similar to FM Radio. Those people that are editing podcasts to get music are not getting very high quality music. If the labels were smart they would look at podcasts as another avenue of promotion like so many friendly indie bands do.

My Very Own Podcast: Most People Are DJs!

2005-07-15T21:26:00.000-04:00

I've started my own podcast "Most People Are DJs" where I spew incessantly about stuff I think other people need to know about.
You can download directly from here - (save as MP3)
The title comes from a lyric by the Hold Steady, an awesome band, I've hopefully mentioned before. The coolest news is they'll be on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on July 19, and Last Call With Carson Daly on July 20th -- DO NOT MISS IT!!!!

Other stuff -- Have you been watching Entourage this season? It's geat!

I've also been trying to catch all the Veronica Mars epsiodes I missed out on.

I'm on a Podcast!

2005-06-30T20:01:00.000-04:00

A couple of nights ago I met up with a couple other guys at the Detroit Podcasters Group. We had a couple of beers and loads of fun -- even better we recorded it! Go to Zaldor's World to hear a half hour of the wacky antics.

Matt and Zalodor gave me the beginner's crash course on Podcasting and I think I'll be doing my own very soon. More info coming.

I checked out the premier of Stella last night on Comedy Central. It wasn't quite as good as I expected. Being a fan of the State (when is the DVD coming out!) I was looking forward to Stella since it has 3 of their cast members. I have to also say that Michael Ian Black is the best commenter on all the VH1 80's, 90's etc shows he takes part on.
Despite the oddball insanity that ensued during the show, the unecessarily, gory ending was too over the top. Let's hope Stella gets better!

2005-06-17T20:01:00.000-04:00

Just got back from California -- again. I hurt my back yesterday, so I've just spent two hot and sunny days (with Michigan it could be the only two we get!) inside laying down with an ice pack. I was lifting something heavy and I think I forgot to bend the knees.
Any way, hhre's a couple of cool new wave sites:

Old Wave Radio: New 80's Music!: #11: Valley of the Dolls Girl
Terrific Podcast spotlighting new bands that play music like I like it!

New Wave OutPost
Great site with good message board on New Wave artists. Up until recently the site owner posted hard to find 80's songs, which can be ordered on a 2CD MP3 comp, but you have to really search the site to find the link. If you find it, order the comp, 200 blasts from the pasts, including old local favorites, like Rhythm Corps!

Not Even a Dork!

2005-06-12T20:37:00.000-04:00

I've been getting out a bit more often these days. Which is to say I've actually been going out! So last night I thought I would check out the Les Infants Terribles party at the Corktown Tavern. A friend was supposed to join me but couldn't make it. However, as a shrewd crowd watcher and not minding myself for company, I decided to go anyway.
Not knowing what time to show up, but seeing the 10pm on the flyer, I thought I'd arrive around 10:30pm and things would shake out from there. When I arrive there's about 7 people at the entire bar, however, the guy on the barstool across from me assures me that by 12:30am-1am this place will be packed. Which is great, but my tolerance to stick it out for 2 hours is questionable. After all, staying out until midnight is a late night for me.
I stick out though, and the people start arriving in droves at 11:30pm. Lots of them are dressed in 80's "geek" attire, they have that "wish I was a teen in the 80's" look about them, with their large glasses, converse tennis shoes, and new wave haircut. In other words, they look like prime content for Vice's Don't's. The real shame is they're better off today. In the 80's we'd never get the chance to witness something this great -- we were too busy being picked on for daring to admit we liked Devo.
The place was packed and I started to move around and have fun, but kept looking at my watch trying to convince myself I wouldn't turn into a pumpkin come midnight. Even so, I left around 1am and all and all had a good time. Better, I can say I accomplished two major things:
1. I met the infameous "Uncle Grambo" of whatsevs.org -- really nice guy that deserves major props for his awesome website.
2. There was dance song from my 80's club days that I could never figure out the name of -- I've been tracking this song down for over 15 years! The song is featured as part of John Ozais's excellent mix, he let me know the song is "Touch 3" by Secession. Now I'm on a quest to track down the MP3!

I've Got the Power!

2005-06-07T21:39:00.000-04:00

Growing up my brothers and I had our favorite football teams and our favorite superheores, we would forever argue over about who was best. Here were the lists:
Matt: Pittsburgh Steelers Spiderman
Mark: Green Bay Packers The Hulk
Mike (Me): Miami Dolphins Fantastic Four
Yes, in retrospect, my picks seem lame in comparasion. Hopefully, with the upcoming Fantastic Four movie all that will change! Also, maybe it's just me, but having Jessica Alba playing Ms. Fantastic, whose major power is turning invisible, just sounds like a really bad idea. "Gee, your the hottest actress out, here's a great movie role for you, you get to be invisible!" She will probably have the least used power in the movie.
Take the Super Power quiz, my power was "Super Strength" -- I don't think there's a master statiscian behind this one!

Amusin' Fuse-In!

2005-05-30T22:04:00.000-04:00

I have the same problem Memorial Day Weekend every year, so many things to do, so little time! There's the ton of yardwork, my daughter's birthday, family gatherings, the St. Mary's Polish Festival and the Detroit Electronic Music Fest (entitled Fuse-In this year). My solution, work like a madman to pack it all in, so that maybe I get a few hours to myself to spend at Hart Plaza taking in the beautiful sights and sounds. I was able to make it to Fuse-In Saturday night to catch a nice DJ set by John Tejada and an awesome live set by Aril Brikha. Despite what some may say, I didn't mind paying the $10 to get in. The performers this year were great, everything was very well planned, and paying the $10 cut back on some of the free loaders that don't really appreciate the music.
The best part about the weekend was XM Radio's the Move broadcasting the mainstage all weekend long. What I wasn't able to see live I was able to listen to, and let me tell you, Underground Resistance's live set was amazing just hearing, I can only imagine how awesome it was to see it -- maybe next year...

Book Review: High Fidelity

2005-05-26T19:56:00.000-04:00

High Fidelity was one of my favorite movies so I promised myself one day I would read the book. I finally got around to doing that this past week and found myself enjoying the book as much as the movie. Nic Hornby's High Fidelity, is different from the movie in that it is set in England and Rob, the narrator, appears not to be quite as angry and outspoken as John Cusak portrayed him. He's profoundly addicted to music, making lists, reminiscing about the women of his past, and Laura, the woman of his present that he just can't seem to make up his mind about. However, Laura's made up her mind about Rob and leaves him until he figures out how to grow up. Rob doesn't want to grow up because he likes his life of little responsiblity and even better, no real emotions. Rob's not grown up enough to admit that last bit, but throughout the book he realizes how shallow his life is by not opening up beyond sputtering out his pop music intellect.
With my own love for music and pop culture, I found myself realting to many things Rob says. I have my own lists -- Top 3 bands, Gary Numan, The Wedding Present and Nick Cave. Top 3 Marvel Hereos -- The Fantastic Four, Dr. Strange and Daredevil. And, believe me I could go on. Nic Hornby does an excellent job having Rob recount moments and feelings in his life that I could swear I have also lived. Rob's many myths of romance, including married life being spent with a woman in lingerie, eloquently expressing her love, are the myths most of us men would like to believe, but eventually learn the truth.
Nic Hornby manages to pull the ending of the book together perfectly, as Rob comes to terms with his romantic fantasies as exactly that, fantasies. The ending of the book is more subtle than the movie but just as effective. Rob figures out there's more to people than the sum of their music collection and a lasting relationship is worth the risk of hurt and loss. I've got a few more Hornby books on my shelf so expect some more of these.

2005-05-25T21:37:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in a few days because I've been away for work -- in sunny L.A. While there I was able to do a few things on my own. My best time was spent seeing the Sweet and Tender Hooligans at the Troubadour. The Smiths were my favorite band as a teenager, but I never got to see them perform. I wasn't as much as a Morrissey solo fan, I saw him live and was pretty disappointed. Over the last couple years, my friends in LA would tell me the next best thing to seeing the Smiths live was seeing S&TH's. Man, they were so right!
The word I've been using to describe the night to anybody who will listen is evangelical! S&TH's were just brilliant, not just capturing The Smiths and Morrissey at their best, but, adding a bit of their own elements along the way. Bring on the Section Quartet to perfrom with them during a number of the songs added a touch of class and extra impact. My favorite song of the night was "I Know It's Over" the strings were beautiful, the singing was spot on and the emotional impact was enough to bring the singer to tears. Throughout the night, flowers were pelted about, everyone in the audience sang along and at the end we all wished Morrissey a very Happy Birthday.

2005-05-16T19:54:00.000-04:00

Did you know Giant is my favorite US magazine? (Uncut is my fave.) It's like the thinking(well, not really) man's Maxim. I like Giant because they aim towards the geek in me, then add playful bits on pretty actresses that I don't have to feel like having to hide in the bathroom to read. The June/July issue features Katie Holmes (wise up, Tom Cruise is not for you), 233 things to love about Star Wars, Sci-Fi game creators, and the tons of reviews and great tid bits that are always included. The 6 issue subscription is only $7.97!

I mentioned the other day I would review NIN's With Teeth, but I read Morgan Marx's review posted to 411mania.com, and found it pretty much sums up not only my thoughts on With Teeth, but also the previous NIN titles.

Easy Way

2005-05-14T21:34:00.000-04:00

The goal of my blog is to tell you about stuff that I find interesting in hopes that whomever is reading finds it intriguing enough to investigate further, or, already has a formed opinion on the subject they would like to share. Success to me is hearing back from somebody who bought/obtained something I hyped up here.
I think it's a worthy goal because it worked so well on me yesterday -- I picked up and immediately read the gripping comic, Easy Way because of the excellent recent Comicology podcast, check out the podcast.

I recently finished reading Edward Lee's Flesh Gothic. If you're not familiar with Edward Lee he writes very eroticly-charged splatter-core, which I thought I grew away from. But, after reading Lee's latest gore fest, I can say there is an unwholesome part of me that still enjoys the shock and thrill ride that only Lee can give. Flesh Gothic is the story of a mansion in Florida where a ritualistic slaughter took place. Well, clairvoyants and a reporter are called in to investigate and uncover the very depths of what a truly depraved psycho can sink too. I don't normally care for "haunted house" reads, but Flesh Gothic manages to the keep the story fresh by not focusing on the house but the inhabitants, both living and dead.

Time

2005-05-11T20:36:00.000-04:00

If I told you I'm listening to a reggae dub cover of Pink Floyd's classic Time and it's undeniably awesome, would you even believe me? If not, head on over to E-music and check it out for yourself. In fact, the Easy Star All Stars cover the entire Dark Side of the Moon quite well. E-music is still my favorite music downloading site. Hell, just yesterday I downloaded the Arcade Fire's Funeral, and some of Dinosaur Jr's Bug.

I'm a little ticked off about this new PlaysforSure concept, which is a new Microsoft standard that guarantees your music, videos etc. play on your portable player. The problem is it's only available on a few recently released players. I just got my iRiver IFP-895 last week, and I already love it, but it isn't PFS approved. What am I gonna do? Easy, keep using E-music.

I have the new Nine Inch Nails With Teeth, I haven't listened to it enough to form a reliable opinion. Which could be my way of saying I'm not digging it like I thought I would. I really like the lead off track All the Love in the World, just not sure about what follows. I'll check back on it.

2005-05-05T20:31:00.000-04:00

Just a few short items today:

I like Nic Cage, I've liked a lot of his roles, but I'll tell you what I don't like, Nic Cage playing Ghost Rider! Com'on according to IMDB, Nic is 40, and he looks it. A little hair dye, (and some extra hair) just isn't going to do it. I know Nic digs comics, and likes Ghost Rider, but couldn't he have opted for the role Johnny Blaze's father? The fact that Ghost Rider is directed by Mark Steven Johnson after his oh-so-boring Daredevil doesn't help either. How many strikes do these guys get?

Don't forget this weekend is Free Comic Book Day, so head on out to your favorite comic shop, or discover one. Comics keep the mind and body young. Just ask Nic Cage.

And, this week's hidden horror of the week.

Book Review: Bikini Planet -- David Garnett

2005-05-03T22:28:00.000-04:00

Since Hitchhikers Guide just opened up in movie theaters, I thought I would run a review I did while on vacation some weeks back:
Bikini Planet -- David Garnett
In the quest for mindless entertainment, few titles serve as well as Bikini Planet. And mindless entertainment it is, as Garnett, in his first novel, slings the reader on a journey into the future with square Las Vegas rookie cop, Wayne Norton. He travels into the future via the well-worn but always sturdy plot device of being awaken from suspended animation. How he got placed into his cyrogenic sleep chamber is an interesting set-up story of Las Vegas mobsters double crossing one another with Norton caught in the middle of the crossfire. When he is awakened into the far, far-flung future the world is completely different and makes little sense to Norton. So, rather than explain what is going on, Garnett tells the story from Norton's very confused point of view. People, aliens and places enter his life among bizzare circumstances that are never satisfactorily explained. Luckily, the storyline of Norton joining GalitiCop and then shuttled off to the vacation paradise of Hideaway is told with catchy dialog exchanges and wit.
Similar in sytle, to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Bikini Planet is full of humor but lacks both the depth and naughtiness one might be hoping to get from the title. In fact, the "Bikini Planet" does not enter the story until well after three-quarters through. Other subtraction points include several contrived scenes conveinently placed to carry the story. One example, Norton's girlfriend, Kiru just happens to have the ability to open any door. Another subtraction point, is having characters in the story that don't really serve a point. B.P. has several of these. With a book this loopy, these flaws could be overlooked if the story were as amusing and deftly written as, say a good Simpsons episode. And again, like a Simpsons episode, if B.P. were more a novella that I read in one sitting by the pool, sipping down a beer, I would have been served a fine time. Unfortunately, B.P. is over-extended as a novel, absorbing about 3 days of my leisure time. For that kind of time I want to be moved, shaken and stirred, not stuck with a half-smirk afixed to my face like I've got some strange facial disorder. As the Strokes put it in one of their best songs "Take it or leave it."

2005-05-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

I've been experimenting with listening to podcasts the past couple of weeks. There are so many out there! I have to admit the first few I checked were duds. I have a lot of respect for those putting the work into producing a podcast, but some of them (and I'm not going to mention names) are pretty lame. However, I will on occasion give a shout out to some podcasts I enjoy:
DigitalDetroitRadio is a cool podcast that features great indie music and some pretty funny stories that I can relate to, since they sound like they happen in my very own neighborhood.

RadioClash Plays mostly Mashups, but they're really good ones! And the narrator (don't remember his name) has some good commentary on music and life in general.

And like Skeet on Mischa I, too, was pretty upset George Bush bum-rushed my fave teen drama, the OC. Imagine my dismay, last night, the night I watch my taped shows to see George's ugly mug, and not Mischa's big-freakin' animesque eyes.

Snow, Snow Go Away!

2005-04-24T10:11:00.000-04:00

It's been snowing like crazy (yes, I am writing this at the end of April) so I've had some to watch some movies I've taped off cable.
Just finished watching Ichii the Killer --- Sheesh, that is one gruesome movie. A lot of the violence is comical, but Miike uses so much freaking blood it's still hard to watch. There's also too much sadism in it for me. I don't mind a bit of well placed torture (Reservoir Dogs), but Ichii just packs loads of it, and most of it is placed on women. I'd say I liked Sin City better, but I really can't compare the two. I think Miike went too far in his unrelentess frenzy for violence, and unlike Sin City most of it does not involve guns. No, Ichii prefers blades and knives so there's much more limb-cutting, head-splitting scenes.
I also have mixed feelings about Ichii as a character. He's awkward, confused, shy and doesn't speak much, but does convey a lot of feeling through his eyes. Miike tries to get a bit of empathy toward him, however, after seeing what he does to people, I couldn't just say "well he's just confused about his life, isn't he!" I would recommend Ichii, if you think you can sit through it twice. With most subtitled movies, I like to watch them a second time, so I can focus less on the subtitles and more on the scenes (in Ichii's case the subtitles are a nice distraction). I feel I could put a few more pieces together to the set-ups to some of the confusing scenes if I watched it again. I'm just not sure I want to.
Another movie I recently watched and enjoyed much more was Naked Weapon. Overall a fun, well done, action movie with some risk and yes, some exploitation.

Book Review: A Fistful of Rain - Greg Rucka

2005-04-23T19:48:00.000-04:00

Before reading A Fistful of Rain I was familiar with Greg Rucka as the comic book author, not the paperback writer. Several comic book authors transition back and forth from comics to novels, most of the time with mixed results. The John Byrne novels I've read aren't very good, while I've heard Peter David has written some worthy novels. I would put Greg Rucka on the worthy list, his crime fiction is gritty, realistic, fast-paced and fun. A Fistful of Rain is a standalone novel about Mim Bracca, guitarist for a popular rock band whose life is being turned upside down.
Starting with a disarming, domestic scene that took place in Mim's childhood, Mim's life is a rocky road, although things are looking up due to the the success of her band, Tailhook. With an overly-excited manager, coverage on MTV and a Rolling Stone cover, Tailhook is presented as a band on the cusp of mainstream success. Mim’s the gutar player, the lead singer, Van, is the focal point of the band and Click, is the cool, mostly silent, African Amercian drummer. The way their sound is descibed, as a powerful rock band with a female lead, sounds much more exciting than most of what is topping the charts today. Unfortunately, Mim's got a drinking and self-loathing problem that won't let her enjoy fame and fortune. As a result she's sent home during Tailhook's tour to get some "quiet time." Mim's time home is where the plot kicks in and finds Mim with anything but "quiet time.” First, she’s abducted in a strange manner, then returned home to find embarassing pictures of her have been posted to the internet. The rest of the novel is a roller coaster ride of thrilling events as Mim examines her life and her faults, while running away (and sometimes chasing) the criminal that has already killed a family member and is threatening to do the same to another. Rucka’s good with setting up scenes and creating fully dimensional characters. From the details of Mim’s life, contact with her family and her distrust to accept help from anyone, we’re left with Mim trying to save her life while simoutaneously destroying it with her destructive drinking binges. While the ending leans a little heavy on contrived scenes and trying to wrap it all up in too nice of a bow, I still really enjoyed Fistful of Rain.

Dorkier than Dorkwave

2005-04-19T20:00:00.000-04:00

I want so badly to have a life, when I see stuff like: There. I said it. It's out there.: The Dorkiest Wave Ever, I know I am just missing out big time. It's okay can still read the Metro Times and check out whatevs.org and pretend....

Other stuff, I taped Ichii the Killer off Sundance a couple nights ago. I can only hope it measures close to Oldboy, which I haven't seen, but my friend wrote a killer review of it.

And lastly, here's my hidden horror of the week --
Luckily, I subscribe to XM!

Beck and Kaiser Chiefs

2005-04-18T19:29:00.000-04:00

Just bought 2 CD's this week --Beck Guero and Kaiser Chiefs Employment

I bought Beck's latest because I honestly believe Beck is the hippest, baddest, coolest, pop artist that still has a career left in him. I've enjoyed both his somber side on Sea Change and his crazy, funky side on Midnite Vultures. Guero's high point is it does a fine job bridging these two sides of Beck. I also appreciate Guero gets better on additional listens. I think its great now, and week ago I thought it was just okay.
And, speaking of just okay, despite the fantastic hit I Predict A Riot, Kaiser Chief's Employment is pretty dispensible. I'll admit I bought Employment for the $6 sale at Target, but I thought I was getting a steal. KC reminds me of the Damned, only not nearly as damning. So what's left is catchy, slightly punky music that needs more risk. It's a shame because, Everyday I Love You Less and Lessis such a terriffic starter! Too bad it's ends with duds like Time Honored Tradition. And, if you name check Pet Sounds by titling a song Caroline, Yes then you better make it one hell of a song!

I'm baaaack!

2005-04-08T19:15:00.000-04:00

Actually I've been back a few days but just haven't had time to write in. Sooooo many things to catch up on:
I saw Sin City, I'll be quick and just say it's awesome. What it's lacks in depth it makes up for with unbelievable look and action. I will say, even for my "uncoventional" taste there's too much grit, blood and gore in one movie. Both my friend and I agreed it would have been better as a muti-part hourly mini-series, like Deadwood.
Got the new Beck CD "Guero", it's aces. It has a slick, laid back, latin vibe that sounds better with every listen.
I watched this weeks episode of the Shield and now I'm starting to see the great, gritty cop drama I remember. It's good to see the sub plots on the show are developing nicely.
Here's a new entry -- the hidden horror of the week.

I read a few books while on vacation, and I've got reviews written for each so those will be coming.

2005-03-19T16:14:00.000-05:00

So The Shield premier last night wasn't the coup de grace I was expecting. Tuesday night's episode had so much inside street slang and cop shop talk, I had trouble following the story. Insider,catchy dialog is only okay if I can eventually pick up what the hell is going on and ride with it. The story seemed muddled with gang names, street names and politics. If I were newcomer to show I would have lost patience halfway through. I'm also not sure what to make of Glenn Close, she played her part between being palsy with her new reports and talking tough to gangbangers. I'd rather not have her on Vic's good side, I liked the way he and Aceveda were constantly at each other'sthroats. The bright side of last night was seeing Anthony Anderson back playing a street-thug community leader.

I'm excited about Sony's new PSP portable player but I'll have to read more on it before I buy one. From the little I've read it sure sounds cool. The problem is Sony usually finds a way of screwing things up like creating it so it can't use other software, file formats etc. So we'll see. The PC I'm working on is a Sony Viao system and while it has all the bells and whistles, I've been less than satisfied by its performance.

In other news, I'm leaving town for a couple of weeks to sunny Florida. I'm sooo ready for it after countless months of snow and dreary days. So you probably won't be hearing much from me until April.

Miracles Can Happen

2005-03-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

I'm giving a big shout out to my alma mater Oakland University for beating Alabama A&M tonight and moving on to the NCAA tournament! Now I gotta do 2 pools just to pick OU going all the way on one!

Listening to the Kills' "No Wow" right now -- not bad. But, I'm not sure they're worth all the hype they've been getting. They're a bit on the sparse side, mostly guitar and female vocals.

I'm looking forward to the premier of The Shield tonight in about a 1/2 hour. I've been watching since season one, and while I think they push the button a bit too far at times, it's still the police drama I've seen since NYPD Blue season 1.

One more piece of news: I'm a big Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan (all 7 seasons on DVD), though I'm not sure I'm making it to the convention coming to Detroit in June. It's too pricey for my cheap blood. They just announced James Marsters (Spike) is going to perform. I was never a huge Spike fan, (I actually think it would have been better to keep him evil and away from Buffy). So, while not a motivator for me I'm sure it will be for others.

Of Things Read, Seen and Listened To...1

2005-03-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

Let's start with a book:
Legands I: This is a collection of short fantasy novels came out around the same time as the first Lord of the Rings movie. The stories in this collection include: A Stephen King Gunslinger story, which tells a nice perverted tale of the gunslinger being held captive by witches. Unfortunately, the story dragged in many parts. Robet Silverberg follows with a Majipoor story. As an introduction to Silverberg's Majipoor world, "The Seventh Shrine" is a good story that reads like a murder mystery. An Orson Scott Card "Alvin" story is next and provides the most humor of the collection. My favorite story, the last tale by Raymond E. Feist, from his Riftwar Saga, "The Wooden Boy" is bloody vengence at its best. If I'm to use this book as a gauge to pick up a book by one of author's, Feist, gets my vote. I have two other Legends volumes, I'm looking forward to these providing nice breaks between the novels I read.

On to music:
The Notwist "Neon Golden": I'm late in buying this, Neon Golden was release nearly 3 years ago as an import. Doesn't really matter though, becuase the CD sounds as if it could have been released last week. The Notwist are FINALLY the band that gets the Electronica, Post Rock balance right. On the large part for a quiet, somber CD, Neon Golden blows me away with amazing sound textures. Bits of guitar, synth, bango, noise, etc. are matched with a vocal styling that's a bit on the dull side, but sings really interesting lines on loniliness, "Pick Up the Phone" and not fitting in "One with the Freaks". The slight disppointment comes at the end with the three new tracks they slapped on. These are obvious "b" cut instrumentals and are boring. So stop listening at track 10 and you have pure perfection. This would have been my favorite CD of 2003.

Next a comic:
The Intimates#5 -- The cover hooked me into buying this one, a fantastic mix of magazine headlines and a zombie freak kid. The Intimates is like a depressing X Men, without the villans and battles. What's left is a bunch of confused, dysfunctional kids with weird abilities, in classrooms with psychotic teachers. Great graphics, neat little factiods at the bottom of the page, make reading The Intimates a pleasure. However, I'm expecting a bit more out of the story which just doesn't have the originality to match the art.

Last a movie:
Wrong Turn -- Watched this around midnight a couple of days ago. Any movie that begins with the Dream Syndicate's "Halloween" blaring from a car stereo should be good. I enjoyed the no-nonsense, let's scare the hell out of you, direction Rob Schmidt took the movie in. The plot is basically a rip off Hills Have Eyes and Texas Chainsaw with teens being chased by some seriously deranged in-breds. But, Wrong Turn does pack quite a gusto of chase scenes, that unlike so many horror movies I've seen tend to get boring quickly. As a derivative horror move, House of 1,000 Corpses probably tops it for sheer shock factor, nonetheless, as far as horror movies go Wrong Turn is a step in the right direction.

Smallville and that Dick, Superman

2005-03-06T19:30:00.000-05:00

Got a chance to watch this week's Smallville episode (3/03) Lucy. This is the first seaon I've tried to keep up with Smallville, and I have to say I'm enjoying it. Every episode has this racy innocence about it that Smallville gets just right. I also like the way they capture the original comic book characters and place them in the TV show context (besides Krypto that epsode blew). The actress, Peyton List, playing Lucy last night is very cute, check out the pic, hopefully, she'll pop up in future episodes.

I also found this amusing feature on Superman comic covers and what a dick he can be -- check it out.

Internet Radio and More

2005-03-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

I've tried just about every internet music service there is, I've done earlier posts on E-music and MusicMatch. Recently, I've been checking out Rhapsody, one of the more popular music services. Their radio service comes free with my out-freaking-rageous Comcast broadband connection. The radio stations are better than I would have thought. My favorite is Computer Music, descibed as:
"Yesterday's and today's retro-futurist synth sounds"
Their playlist is extensive with music like Gary Numan, Japan, Pet Shop Boys, and new artists like Miss Kitten and Fischerspooner. They're currently playing The Sound, a brilliant early 80's synth band a lot of people were sadly never aware of here in the US. So, if you have Comcast take advantage of the Rhapsody service.
Another music service I subscribe to, XM Radio, I thought was king, unfortunately, I'm finding out they're treating me like their pawn. They're raising their rates from 9.95 to 12.95, which compared to Internet Radio stations is much higher. Alas, I can't listen to I.R. in the car very easily and there are some stations I do enjoy on XM -- Fred, CMU and the Move. If I find them raising their rates again anytime soon, then is one XM subscriber they can "X" off their list!

Is it wrong not to "LIVESTRONG?"

2005-03-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

A package came today filled with 10 of those trendy "LIVESTRONG" wristbands. My wife ordered them directly from the Lance Armstrong Foundation. My daughter, Megan, has four on and says "put one on Dad." Now, I'm not an outwardly rebellious person, but on the inside there are just somethings I won't do. I wouldn't wear a red ribbon for aids victims, wouldn't wear the "WWJD" wristbands, wouldn't put out a flag after "9/11," and now I'm not wearing these damn wristbands. It's not becuase I don't care about people with cancer. Quite the contrary, I have no problem donating the money to the foundation. I just have a problem making a statement about it. It's difficult to explain this to my 8-year-old daughter so she'll understand. I find it important not conforming in my own small ways.
There's a decent article on these wristbands at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29095.asp, which puts it this way:

Slate journalist Timothy Noah, who describes a "tragedy of the commons" with the bracelets. He argues that because there are many more charitable causes than colors, the bracelets lose meaning since it's impossible to tell which issue is represented by a bracelet based on its color.

Besides, I've read far too many Sci-Fi/horror novels and seen too many bad TV episodes in which something that everybody is wearing brainwashes them into committing crimes or following an alien race. I'm not big into conspiracy theories but what would happen right now if everyone with those wristbands on were sent a signal to vote an insideously evil person into office? Hey, just how many of those wristbands were available last November?

The O.C.'s okay by me!

2005-02-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

I've been watching the O.C. since it began. It's not my favorite TV show, that used to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and now I don't have one. I've always been a teen soap fan, even dug 90210 for the first few years (except Donna she bugged the hell out of me) and then Dawson's Creek (I still have a thing for Joey.) I think the O.C. falls somewhere in the middle. It doesn't have the clicks and friendships 90120 had, and lacks some of the overwrought dialog Dawson packed in. What O.C. does have is a weird indie hipness factor that I find cool (I think others may find it irritating or even offensive). Like the episode I saw last night, #13: The Test, referenced Hellboy and Marissa's caught reading Please Kill Me, the fantastic oral history to Punk Rock. Other episodes center around comics and feature bands like the Killers. The show itself could be a little more daring, the relationship with Ryan and Lindsey bores me to death, and Seth and Summer are way too back and forth. However, the Marissa and Alex lez thing is just hot and I'm hoping it gets hotter. Is it realistic? Nope. Does the show pander to the lowest common denominator? Usually. But, it keeps me watching and smiling.

Just Fantastical! (Not)

2005-02-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

.... Keanu Reeves, who plays Constantine, says that "staying true to the essence of characters" ... Comic-book movies "have fantastical characters, but you're still telling stories you want people to relate to. If you get that right, you'll be OK."

The problem with the above quote is just how inaccurate of a statement it is when talking about the movie Constantine, which I had the unfortunate experience seeing a couple of days ago.
Let's breakdown his quote as a way of reviewing just how bad this movie is.
"Staying true to the essence of the characters"
This is soooo far from the truth, just because Keanu may be smoking and wearing a tired suit and tie, he didn't come close to capturing the Constantine from the Hellblazer comics. The John Constantine I know (owning over 100 issues) is an asshole through and through. He sells out his freinds, scams everybody and drinks as much as he smokes. He talks in more than one line, clipped sentences and would sleep with any woman offering it up. The movie's Constantine is a stilted mess of contradictions, stumbing around in the pouring Los Angeles rain.

"...stories you want people relate too"
Hmmm..that's a crazy statement for any comic book based movie to make. Yeah, that part when he goes "I need a three foot mirror" and pulls a demon into it, then throws it out the window. You know something like that happened to me just last week! Actually, the opposite is true of Constantine -- there is nothing anybody can relate to or would want to.

"If you get that right, you'll be OK"
Well, let's just say Hollywood blew it. To be honest, as a fan of the comic I never actually understood why they would want to bring Hellblazer to the big screen. And, in my own strange way I feel sorry for Keanu because he wants so hard to be taken seriously. To be thought of as a convincing actor capable of more than "Whoa." But, when it comes down to it, he's just not capable of more, it's not in his make-up.

Comic Review: Mystic

2005-02-19T20:04:00.000-05:00

I picked up the first two graphic novel collections of Mystic a couple weeks ago, really cheap. I don't buy comics much anymore, but once in a while I still like to get my comic fill. CrossGen is a fairly successful independent comic publisher that doesn't have many superhero comics which I appreciate. Mystic is more of a fantasy with magic playing a major role. "Rite of Passage," the first collection tells the origin of Mystic, as a party going girl, Giselle Villard absorbs powerful spirits giving her amazing magical powers. The conflict is the powers should have went to her sister, Genevieve, and were also taken from the Guild Masters that rule Ciress, Giselle's world. Giselle tries to master her powers while the Guild schemes a way to get them back, with Genevieve caught in the middle. "Rite of Passage" also includes many articles on the writing and artwork behind Mystic which are interesting. While, the storyline is good and the artwork is terrific, Mystic suffers from just playing by the book. Nothing outrageous happens and the story predictable. This doesn't take away from the goregeous look of the comic or Giselle, who is potrayed as very attractive (what comic heroine isn't?).
The second graphic novel, "The Demon Queen" picks up the storyline with the Guild again going after Giselle with a demon queen they've summoned. While the story is a little quicker paced than "Rite of Passage," it's not quite as interesting. My real complaint about Mystic, and what really kept me from thoroughly enjoying it, was her talking pet, Skitter. Of all the cliche comic elements to drag into a comic, why the talking pet that meddles into everything? Well, there's always the artwork to enjoy...
One last note on the subject, these graphic novels were individually priced at $19.95 each, which is typical for GN's. In my mind this is just way too much money to ask. I paid $1 for each, a steal in my book (I should be able to get $5 a piece on eBay).

Book Review: Gorgon's Child -- Steven Barnes

2005-02-18T20:53:00.000-05:00

To honor Black History Month I recently read Steven Barnes' Gorgon Child. I could probably count the number of African American Sci-Fi authors I know on one hand. Steven Barnes is one of them (Simon Delaney is another). Gorgon Child is one of those novels that sound better explaining than actually reading. Aubrey Knight, former Nullboxer (never explained what that is) now a heavy weight hero in the not too distant future helps a near super band of (gay) mercenaries escape a fanatical leader that has his eyes on being president. Then Aubrey finds himself a target, so he escapes with his sexy dancin' girlfriend, Promise, to her lesbian ruled commune, Ephesus. The plot gets murky as Aubrey learns about fetuses being sold to create a powerful army and a renegade group trying to destroy the above mentioned fanatical leader. Dragging on throughout the book is Aubrey's personal demons constantly doubting his love for Promise and whether he cares about living at all. At times I had trouble sorting through who was doing what and what side they were on. And, in the middle of bloody fighting and balls-out battling, there are these awkward tender moments with Aubrey and Promise. I guess I'm not recommending Gorgon Child, but I'm not sure I'll cross Steven Barnes off my reading list. If his story-telling matched his story he'd really have something.

An Athlete I Like!

2005-02-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

After 3 so-so episodes, I decided to stop watching Pointe Pleasant tonight, there's just not much in it for me. It's disappointing because the executive producer, Marti Noxon, wrote many Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel episodes. The problem with PP is the cool kids are the main characters and plays too much like a bad teen soap (hell, I already watch O.C. I don't need another!). The great thing about Buffy was that they were cool geeks and had a sense of humor. All PP has is a pretty blond with fantastic eyes. Maybe, I'll keep it on with the volume down!

I'm listening to Antony & the Johnsons right now and it's very good, but I'm going to save more on him for a later post. What I'm going to write about is a band I just discovered by the name of Athlete. Apparently, I'm not as up on bands as I like to think, because the CD I'm listening to "Vehicles and Animals" was released in 2003. Their new CD "Tourist" was just released on Jan. 31 st. "Vehicles and Animals" is one of those rare albums that I like immediately as I'm listening. A nice mix of indie pop, white boy R&B, quirky keyboards and electronics. The vocalist is very good and the songs have this great way of mixing subtlely bizarre moments with catachy pop hooks (a little bit Beck or Flaming Lips but not really) . Some of their choruses even remind me of ("gasp") boy bands. The song you have to check out by them is "Shake Those Windows" it's glorious!

The New, New Wave

2005-02-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

Call me cheesy, call me geeky, but I always liked the term "New Wave" to describe alternative music with synthesizers playing a key role. In the early 80's we had Gary Numan, Devo, Duran Duran, Heaven 17, OMD, etc. While grunge put one the finishing nails in the coffin of New Wave, the past year or so have see a number of new bands bringing the well-dressed beast back to life. Better, stronger and in some cases faster than before. Interpol, the Killers, Stellastarr, Elefant, Communique, are just a few of the bands that are injecting a New Wave edge to their sound, or, in the Killers case, replicating it note for note. I can't say I enjoy any of these bands as much as their predecessors, but they at least make it cool for me to dust off my old Devo albums. Further developments coming....

Book Review: Dreamcatcher

2005-02-15T20:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't read a Stephen King novel in years, I picked this one up recently as a discounted hardback for $5.99. Dreamcatcher was on my bookshelf next to IT. The sheer immensity of IT puts me off, so Dreamcatcher got the call.
Stephen King's own story behind Dreamcatcher is probably about as interesting as the actual novel - King wrote Dreamcatcher, during his recovery after being run over by a van. He wrote the 600 page novel by manuscript (for those of you shackled to your computer, that means a pen!)and under quite a bit of pain. You can almost feel his pain through his characters' experiences. There are many scenes of excruciating pain and physical exhaustion. More surprising though is the time King spends on passing gas. You see, Dreamcatcher is a story about alien landings and abduction. A side effect of the alien being implanted into a human is passing gas with a stench that is overwhelming. I haven't seen the movie adaptation of Dreamcatcher, but I can't imagine it dwells on this like King does.
Dreamcatcher, like many of his novels, centers around four close friends and how important events from their past come back to impact their future. Roughly, the story is about their hunting trip gone haywire after they bring in a stranger that acts and smells very strange. As King tells about the lives of each of the four friends, they become easily likeable, well-constructed characters. The problem is, and this is a spoiler, a couple of them die, just as soon as you feel you know them. After the four friends mishap with their "strange" stranger, the book shifts to a covert military group that is investigating the area in hopes of eliminating the alien threat. King loses me a bit here. Introducing the leader of the mission Kurtz, a cranky and somewhat crazy dictator among his troops. They bring the second section of the book to a screeching halt with too much tactical military conversation. Luckily, King reels his focus back to his central characters and adds more depth to his story with Duddits, the mentally handicapped friend of the quartet. He plays a much bigger part in their lives than they would have ever counted on. Sure, many scenes with Duddits are very hokey but I'm willing to give King some leeway here if he can spin it into the story. And spin he does, with a thrilling chase that makes up the third and final part of the novel. While all of King's novels I've read havebeen quick and satisfying reads, I'd have to say Dreamcatcher is probably my least favorite.

More Music! More Music!

2005-02-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

I did buy the other Bright Eyes CD today -- "Digital Ash In A Digital Urn" I think I may like this one better. A little less country, a little more indie rock!
A couple of other songs that have caught my attention are:
Kaiser Chiefs - "I Predict A Riot" The chorus is great because if you didn't know that he was saying "I Predict A Riot" you'd have no freaking idea!
Elefant - "Misfit" Yeah it sounds a bit like Interpol light but it's still catchy as hell!

I'm watching the Brit Awards right now on CBC TV, this show is so much better than most awards shows it's not even funny! I've just seen The Streets perform and Shirley Manson (I'd almost forgotten about you!) present an award. For more check out the winner's list.

And one last drop on music -- there are lots of downloading and internet services out now, and while most are buying off iTunes, besides Emusic I like MusicMatch's "On Demand" service. For $9.95 a month or less you can listen to almost any artist you like and create your own playlist of internet songs and your own downloads. This gives me the best of both worlds! With pressure from Napster to get this to your MP3 Player, MusicMatch shouldn't be far behind. Also, MusicMatch was recently bought by Yahoo! Launch the combination of these services should be great.

Catch Up on 2005

2005-02-09T21:22:00.000-05:00

I bought the new Bright Eyes CD "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" this is the folk one and so far as I'm listening to it, it's not bad. Now just so you know I didn't just jump on the Connor Oberest bandwagon, I've been into Bright Eyes for a few years now, I had songs from "A Collection of Songs". I'm not sure he's the genius some think he is, but compared to a lot of other young singers he's at least worth putting money on (and it was only $8.99!) It's funny though because I'm listening to him and my wife is watching American Idol. I'm sure Connor wouldn't even make it past the auditions on American Idol, yet he's a press darling and gets to sing on stage with REM. I don't buy into A.I., because I'd rather listen to an off key, not-so-good-loooking singer that writes his/her own songs with integrity. I think I'll buy "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn" tomorrow.

Mr. Paradise Not Quite That

2004-12-17T17:21:00.000-05:00

Elmore Leonard books range from lukewarm to sizzling hot reads for me. Unfortunately, Mr. Paradise runs on the lukewarm side. The dialog’s hot, but the story’s cold. It’s a short novel, just under 300 pages, with big typeface and lots of space between paragraphs. Yet, there are several throwaway conversations and events that could have been left out. So maybe Mr. Paradise could have been a very good short story.
The plot revolves around the murder of Mr. Paradiso and his call girl, Chloe. Detective Frank Delsa is tracking down the muderers while falling in love with Kelly, who was also at the murder scene. I don’t normally gripe about a story having to be “believable,” but, Leonard’s a pro that’s lived near Detroit most his life. With Mr. Paradise he makes it difficult not to be critical when several places and people in the story just seem so unlikely. As a native to the areas Elmore refers to in Mr. Paradise I feel its my duty to warn anybody wanting to visit Detroit to find someone like Kelly, a gorgeous Victoria Secret’s model, living in a chic downtown Detroit loft, with her call girl roommate, Chloe, doesn’t come close to existing. It sounds interesting, but it’s just not plausible. Even worse, Leonard pulls the tired cliché of having her and the Detective fall in love.
Luckily, Leonard saves the novel with his sly and witty dialog play between characters. Despite all the faults, the story moves along at a quick, enjoyable pace. Elmore Leonard will remain on my reading list but let’s just say I’m expecting more.

Review: Clive Barker's Galilee

2004-12-07T15:52:00.000-05:00

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a novel by Clive Barker. I’ve always enjoyed his books, especially Cabal. Since Halloween was just around the corner I was also in the mood for something with a bit of a scare. Fortunately for me, I was more in the mood for a good story than frights, because while there are some vividly haunting scenes in Galilee, it is not a bonechiller. The element Galilee has that I enjoyed immensely was a style of prose that makes they story so wonderful I was savoring the words.
The story of Galilee is told by Maddox, Galilee’s half-brother, they are both members of the Barbarossa family. A family with a very powerful and strange background, they seem to have the ability to live for centuries and have some mystical powers, but they are not Vampires. Maddox narrates the history of the family with fantastic tales surrounding the family’s members, although his main subject is Galilee. Galilee is the outcast of the family that lives by the sea, occasionally coming in contact with members of the Geary family. Unlike, the Barbarossa family, the Geary family is very much human, they are rich and very petty people. You can also easily pick up that they were modeled after the Kennedys. The conflict of the story involves Galilee’s relationship with Rachel Pollenberg, Mitchell Geary’s wife and the connections between the two families since the Civil War.
What’s interesting about Galilee is thinking back on the novel, the conflicts and climaxes are really quite subtle. For all the grand talk Maddox does about the events that are taking place, they are relatively small tragedies. However, the way Maddox lays out the tale and describes the events you’d think the world was continually crumbling around him. In many ways, Galilee is Clive Barker’s Gothic Romance novel, it’s dark, mysterious, and achingly beautiful.

Soft Cell singer critically injured

2004-10-19T22:33:00.000-04:00

As report in the, London Times, Marc Almond suffered a terrible head injury in a motorcycle accident. Soft Cell were one of my favorite 80s bands -- even liked them more than Dexys Midnight Runners. What makes it sadder news is Marc had recently rejoined with David Ball, his partner in crime for Soft Cell and put out a wonderful record, Cruelty Without Beauty
a couple of years ago.
And more recently, a great double Live CD. I'm hoping he pulls through okay, but it doesn't look good.

Much more than "Come On Eileen"

2004-09-23T14:27:00.000-04:00

More Please and Thank You!

In the US we call Dexys Midnight Runners, a one hit wonder. When anyone thinks of music in the 80's, "Come On Eileen" is usually in their top ten and it's still played today at most wedding receptions. But, most people don't know anything else about Dexys Midnight Runners (DMRs) or the enigmatic lead singer, Kevin Rowland. Sure, I discovered DMRs with "Come On Eileen" but, after buying "Too Rye Aye" I found much more. Kevin has a way of weaving lyrics together that are both heartfelt and literate. One my favorite DMRs song, "There, There My Dear" Kevin sings about rebellion with excellant lyrics like "The only way to change things is to shoot men who arrange things!" and "If you're so antifashion, why not wear flares? Instead of dressing down all the same." Do yourself a favor and buy a few DMRs tracks from iTunes.

The latest and greatest -- IR Ripping

2004-09-08T20:10:00.000-04:00

I just discovered Internet Radio Ripping and let me tell you this is a pretty cool deal! Let's start with years ago I used to stay up until midnight and try my best to tune in a good signal to "Brave New Wave." One of the coolest alternative music programs to ever air. I'd tape the program as much as I could becuase I knew the program was special.
Internet Radio started getting good a few years ago with special programming and thousands of stations, but, it wasn't worth listening to without broadband. Today, there are fewer stations, but I have broadband so I can catch internet radio when I want -- but, I can't listen to it at work -- we have firewalls; and I can't listen to it in the car. What's a music fanatic to do?
Well, there are a few new programs that you can use to rip Internet Radio into MP3's, and even better, the tracks are seperated as individual files! Some would say this is going too far, for high quality stations this would be like stealing. I say, get off my cloud! It's just evolution, baby! It's called technology advancement, and it's just like those cassettes I would make but easier. I'm recording four stations right now, alternative, goth/industrial, electronic and something wacky. Later, I preview the tracks and burn a couple of CD's for my drive to work tomorrow. Will it stop me from buying CD's? As we'll continue to learn from my Blog, I stopped doing that a while ago. If you want to start ripping radio download StationRipper!

Emusic is good music!

2004-08-19T20:57:00.001-04:00

I've been a member of Emusic for over 3 years. If you're a person that loves music and doesn't mind searching and experimenting I highly recommend it! They offer 40 tracks a month for $9.99, I always find myself downloading the 40 and wanting more. Emusic makes it a point to support independent music and I admire their stance. They are working on upgrading their site in September so now is the time to join. Here's a quote from their recent press release --
"We are committed to enhancing eMusic's position as the only digital music service 100% focused on the needs of independent consumers, labels and artists. Our passionate and expert editorial team is unprecedented in any online music service and is the foundation of our new offering."
Occasionally, in my blog I'll include reviews of CDs or tracks I download from emusic.

Lost Book!

2004-08-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

I started reading Laurell K. Hamilton's Guilty Pleasures this weekend. I read about 100 pages and I seem to have lost the book. I think I actually sat it on top of my car -- then drove off! I'm a little absent-minded sometimes. The thing is I can't decide whether it's worth replacing. The book was a little too over dramatic for my tastes. And for being the first book, Hamilton doesn't do much to explain the characters, I guess you're supposed to pick it up as you go along. I went to the used bookstore today and they didn't have a copy. If I don't find it tonight I'll have to decide what I'm doing otherwise it'll bother me too much. I try never to start a book I can't finish -- but, I could consider this extenuating circumstances!

Give Prince a Chance

2004-08-13T22:21:00.000-04:00

I'll be honest with you, back in my high school days in the 80's I was not a Prince fan. I was so caught up in some of my "non-conformist" punk rock leanings, I wouldn't even give him a chance. I think I might have been a bit frightened off by his unbridled sexuality. Hell, I was listening to "Lady Cab Driver" in the car by myself today -- and I still got a bit red in the face! I had a chance to see Prince live a few weeks ago for $12.50 and I jumped at the chance just because I knew he'd put on a good show. Which is a understatement -- he put on a great show! Amazing guitar solo's, unbelievable funk arrangements with extended songs, shortened versions, and an acoustic set. I'm now catching up on the old Prince stuff, and for white boy that enjoys deep funk -- I can't believe what I missed out on. I'm also disppointed because, it's exactly his unwillingness to compromise and his willingness to knock down boundries that I should have embraced.
If you're too young to have gotten into Prince, or if you haven't listened to Prince in awhile, I say give Prince a chance! His new record, Musicology is very good. See www.npgmusicclub.com for info on Prince's latest.

My ugly mug!

2004-08-12T22:19:00.000-04:00

This is Me!

Amazon.com: Books: Green Lantern/Green Arrow Collection - Volume 1

2004-08-12T22:01:00.000-04:00

Amazon.com: Books: Green Lantern/Green Arrow Collection - Volume 1

I just finished reading this collection of comics that was originally published in 1971. When I first started collecting comics, GL/GA was an early favorite. Re-reading these today, they come across as dated and hokey, but, the innocence, integrity of the writing and artwork keeps it compelling. The writer, Denny O'Neil also made a real attempt at exploring social issues, which for a comic book at this time was revolutionary. Plus, it stars Black Canary, if you know of a better looking heroine let me know! I read the entire series (that would be vols I&II) in about 5 sittings. Good fun!

My first Blog!

2004-08-12T21:22:00.000-04:00

So, I know that's probably the title of almost everybody's first entry, but, it makes sense! Please don't be put off by the title "Mikel's O.D." The title comes from a zine I was part of some time ago -- O.D. which stood for Opinon Dominated. The zine now exists as a website http://www.odmag.com. I started this Blog to get back to a more regular writing habit to express my opinions and views on music, books, etc. which may also get re-edited and posted to the O.D. website. I also want my Blog to cover some personal issues, such as health, society, political views.
Hopefully, if you share an interest in the realm of things that cross my fancy you'll find Mikel's O.D. a worthwile visit.